Robber storms bank, customer points out his gun is fake

A robber who stormed a London bank but was caught out by a customer who noticed his gun was fake has been jailed for life.

Andrew Fernandez, 47, raided Lloyds Bank in Coulsdon and demanded cash, but was scared off by James Rowley, 34.

The self-employed cleaner chased him out of the store and was joined by a workmate who had been waiting in their parked van.

The brave pair detained Fernandez until police reached the scene.

The fake firearm was recovered and police successfully linked Fernandez to two almost-identical robberies.

The customer is calm and collected as a bank robber storms into the building wielding a fake gun (Picture: YouTube)

Mr Rowley was presented with a Commendation for his actions by Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley and will also be awarded a Police Public Bravery Award at the Association of Chief Police Officers annual awards ceremony on Thursday.

Andrew Fernandez flees… (Picture: YouTube)

He was also given £1,200 from the sheriff’s fund for his bravery.

Detective sergeant David Barnfather said: ‘The bravery of James Rowley was truly remarkable in confronting what was for all intents and purposes, an armed and extremely dangerous criminal.

…But Rowley gives chase and catches the criminal (Picture: YouTube)

‘His courage and sense of civic duty are to be applauded and thanks to him Fernandez is behind bars.’

Fernandez pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery, and was sentenced to life imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court.